Northeast winds gusting over 20 mph overspread the area in the wake of Sunday morning's cold front. By midafternoon, flow off the 60-degree waters of Lake Michigan held air temperatures in the 60s across most of the city.

These readings, more typical of late September, were about 15 degrees below normal. Satellite imagery also showed a plume of cloudiness streaming off the lake much of the day, adding an autumnal feel to the air.

Meanwhile, residents of St. Louis sweltered in 96-degree heat. With midsummer heat close by, a return to more seasonable weather will be coming soon.

Winds are to abate by Monday, allowing inland temperatures to climb to around 80 degrees. Southwest flow is to lock in by midweek, drawing sultry, tropical air across Chicago.